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"The Governor's Special" (1916) starring Helen Gibson

This gem is presented by Silent Hall of Fame.

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This is a short preview. You can watch the whole film here:

https://silent-hall-of-fame.org/index.php/gems-for-donation

We have included this film in our program to illustrate the work and contributions of our star Helen Gibson.

"The Governor's Special" is a short action drama from a serial by the name of "The Hazards of Helen", featuring Helen Gibson. This is episode 76 from a total of 119 weekly one reel films produced by Kalem, showing just how popular this serial was in 1914-1917. The first 48 films starred Helen Holmes, the remaining 71 starred Helen Gibson. They both played heroines that were independent and adventurous, resolving dangerous situations with quick thinking. Their acting was very physical and they performed their often very dangerous stunts. It is believed to be the longest film series in the silent era and one of the longest ever. Very few of the films survive, and we are happy to be able to show this rarity to our esteemed viewers.

The film is directed by James Davis from a story by Edward T. Matlack. In this episode Helen Gibson performs one absolutely breathtaking stunt, which just shows how dangerous it was to act for silent film pioneers, especially for stuntmen and stuntwomen.

There is a twist to the plot, and Helen Gibson not only has to save her governor from mortal danger, but also the life of somebody close to her, who has been sentenced to die without guilt.

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